New York 2011: Chrysler 300S

by Matthew Wilson

Chrysler took the opportunity at the opening of the 2011 New York Auto Show to announce that the company's 2012 300S model will be the first of its products to carry a new eight-speed ZK transmission. This was a momentous occasion since many have been waiting to see the gearbox show up in a production vehicle ever since the automaker first announced its newly developed transmission last year. The all-new eight-speed will only be found in the new 300S with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, for the time being.

The transmissions will be purchased directly from ZF in Germany until Chrysler is done renovating its transmission facility in Komono, Indiana. In addition to the new transmission, the 300S is equipped with a Beats by Dr. Dre ten-speaker stereo system and unique piano-black interior accents. Nappa leather has also been used, and there is now a rear-view camera, rain-sensing wipers and a power tilt and telescoping steering column.